A Sega Europe statement said: "SEGA® Europe Ltd. and Sports Interactive™ are excited to announce the moment that Football Manager fans have been waiting for is almost here… the pre-release public Beta of FM19 is available this evening on PC and Mac.

"Anyone who has pre-purchased FM19 from a SEGA approved digital retailer* can log into Steam and launch the Beta this evening from their Steam library.

"It’s not too late to get access to the pre-release Beta either.

"Anyone who pre-purchases FM19 between now and the game’s release on Friday, November 2nd from a participating digital retailer will immediately see the Beta added to their Steam library.

"The pre-release Beta is a near complete (but not final) version of the game, so players may encounter some bugs and issues.

"Online play is enabled, but there will be no access to the Steam Workshop or either the pre-game or in-game editors until the game’s full release on November 2nd.

"With major revamps to training and tactics alongside a debut for the Bundesliga license and a brand-new look, FM19 promises to be the greatest release in the series’ history.

"What’s more, careers that are started on the pre-release Beta can be carried over into the full release."